Orthognathic Surgery
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Put simply, orthognathic surgery—also known as corrective jaw surgery—is a procedure to realign the jaw and teeth when conventional treatments such as braces or an Herbst Oral Appliance are not sufficient due to the severity of the issue.
At our offices in Parker and Castle Rock, CO, Dr. Ted Struhs and Dr. Brandon Scheer use the latest technology, techniques, and materials to help you achieve optimal results and a smooth recovery.
Before your procedure, our orthodontic team will review every step with you in detail so you feel confident and well-informed about your care.
Reasons You Might Need Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery can address a wide range of functional and aesthetic concerns. Some of the most common reasons for undergoing jaw surgery include:
- Correcting improper jaw or teeth alignment
- Relieving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Repairing injuries or congenital defects
- Reducing or eliminating obstructive sleep apnea
- Improving difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing
If jaw abnormalities are affecting your ability to speak, chew, or sleep comfortably, orthognathic surgery may significantly improve your daily function and overall quality of life. In addition to restoring comfort, it can enhance your oral health and improve your facial symmetry and profile.
Does Orthognathic Surgery Hurt?
Patients are placed under general anesthesia during the procedure, so there is no pain while the surgery is being performed. Some discomfort or swelling afterward is normal once the anesthesia wears off, but Dr. Struhs or Dr. Scheer may prescribe medication to help manage pain and promote a more comfortable recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Orthognathic Surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of your case, but most patients can expect to recover fully within six to twelve weeks. Many return to work or school within two weeks.
Dr. Struhs and Dr. Scheer will guide you through each stage of recovery. The surgery itself typically takes between one and three hours and may require a hospital stay of one to four days, depending on your treatment plan.
Does Insurance Cover Orthognathic Surgery?
In most cases, orthognathic (jaw) surgery is considered a medical necessity, meaning that it is often covered—at least in part—by insurance. Our team will help you navigate your insurance benefits and discuss all available options before treatment begins.
Orthognathic Surgery in Parker & Castle Rock, CO
We understand that undergoing surgery can feel overwhelming, but you can feel confident knowing that Dr. Ted Struhs and Dr. Brandon Scheer bring decades of combined experience and use state-of-the-art technology to ensure safe, effective, and lasting results.
Are you considering jaw surgery? Contact us or call us today at 303-841-2262 to schedule your FREE consultation!